Congressional Accountability Tracker

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 618 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 618

Recognizing the importance of career and technical education (``CTE'') 
   educators and work-based learning coordinators in delivering high-
   quality CTE, preparing students for success in the workplace, the 
classroom, and in life, and supporting dynamic workforce pipelines that 
enable the United States to grow and lead in critical economic sectors.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 26, 2026

   Ms. Blunt Rochester (for herself, Mr. Tuberville, Mr. Markey, Mr. 
 Tillis, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Booker, Mrs. Britt, Mr. Kaine, Mrs. Capito, 
Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Schiff, Mr. King, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Budd, and Mr. 
 Justice) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
                               agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
Recognizing the importance of career and technical education (``CTE'') 
   educators and work-based learning coordinators in delivering high-
   quality CTE, preparing students for success in the workplace, the 
classroom, and in life, and supporting dynamic workforce pipelines that 
enable the United States to grow and lead in critical economic sectors.

Whereas students in classrooms across the United States today are the future 
        leaders, innovators, and workers of tomorrow, and the future of American 
        competitiveness and economic stability is predicated on a robust 
        workforce prepared to meet the needs of critical sectors;
Whereas career and technical education (``CTE'') educators work with secondary 
        and post-secondary students--

    (1) to explore career pathways;

    (2) to teach academic, technical, and practical, sector-specific, 
hands-on skills across a wide-range of in-demand industries and 
occupations; and

    (3) to develop skills necessary for rewarding employment and success in 
life;

Whereas work-based learning coordinators help build a bridge for students 
        between the classroom and real workplace experience by collaborating 
        with education systems, CTE programs, and industry partners to 
        facilitate meaningful, age-appropriate work-based learning experiences 
        for students that include internships, apprenticeships, and job 
        shadowing;
Whereas there are CTE programs in every State and territory, and there are 
        approximately 12,000,000 students enrolled in CTE programs across the 
        United States;
Whereas the high school graduation rate for CTE concentrators is 97 percent, 
        which is above the national average, and these students are more likely 
        than others to be employed full time and have higher median annual 
        earnings 8 years after graduation;
Whereas without CTE educators providing support, instruction, and industry 
        knowledge, and without the support of work-based learning coordinators, 
        students would not be able to participate in and enjoy the benefits of 
        CTE programs;
Whereas student participation and interest in CTE programs remains consistent, 
        yet there are persistent shortages of CTE educators, with school 
        administrators reporting difficulty filling positions in CTE subjects 57 
        percent of the time, and retaining CTE educators in high-growth fields 
        is challenging;
Whereas, in the 2025-2026 academic year, 25 States, the District of Columbia, 
        and American Samoa reported CTE educator shortages;
Whereas 79 percent of high school students expressed an interest in work-based 
        learning experiences, yet only 34 percent of high school students 
        reported being aware of opportunities within their age group;
Whereas work-based learning coordinators could help increase awareness of CTE 
        programs among high school student and increase access to such 
        opportunities; and
Whereas the month of February is recognized as Career and Technical Education 
        Month to celebrate the value, importance, and accomplishments of CTE 
        programs, and there is no CTE without CTE educators: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes--
                    (A) the importance of career and technical 
                education (``CTE'') educators and work-based learning 
                coordinators in delivering high-quality CTE, preparing 
                students for success in the workplace, the classroom, 
                and in life, and supporting dynamic workforce pipelines 
                that enable the United States to grow and lead in 
                critical economic sectors;
                    (B) that all students should have access to quality 
                CTE and work-based learning opportunities that will 
                help them succeed in the classroom, in the workplace, 
                and throughout their lives;
                    (C) that the quality of CTE instruction depends 
                upon the quality, preparedness, and availability of CTE 
                educators and work-based learning coordinators;
                    (D) that CTE educators, work-based learning 
                coordinators, and educators of all academic subjects, 
                deserve competitive wages, good employment benefits, 
                and safe working conditions; and
                    (E) that improving the salaries, benefits, and 
                working conditions of educators would help reduce 
                persistent educator shortages; and
            (2) commends CTE educators and work-based learning 
        coordinators for their contributions and dedication.
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